As the Washington Commanders' training camp advances into its sixth day, the emphasis on perfecting red-zone scenarios continues to take center stage. The significance placed on this aspect of their game is echoed by the dedicated performances from both emerging and seasoned players as they battle for top spots on the roster.
This Tuesday marked a milestone in the camp; it was not only the sixth day but also the third day fans were welcome to witness the rigorous drills and passion displayed by the players. The practice was intensified by the fact that it was only the second time athletes donned full pads, adding to the realism and intensity of the drills.
Quarterback Battle Heats Up
Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota continue to split first-team reps, with both quarterbacks showcasing their skills and leadership on the field. Daniels, in particular, had a rather eventful day, connecting with several receivers during practice. He fired a deep ball up the right sideline to Olamide Zaccheaus, found Jahan Dotson along the sideline, and made a precise throw to Terry McLaurin on the opposite side.
In the final team session, Daniels capped off a solid performance by hitting Dotson again, followed by a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz. Despite these highlights, Daniels’ practice was not without hiccups; he experienced a bungled handoff with running back Jeremy McNichols and had a series of missed throws.
Competition on the Line
The battle for positions is fierce not just in the backfield but also on the offensive line. Brandon Coleman has been seen playing with both the first and second teams at left and right tackle. Facing off against experienced defenders such as Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell, Coleman has been pushing his limits. Reflecting on his practice, Coleman noted, "There's always like three points in my brain that I'm telling myself in the next period if I didn't do it well... Today, it was my hands were pretty bad in the first period. I was like, 'Work on my hands, work on my balance, keep my chest up.'"
His awareness of the challenges presented by NFL defensive linemen is apparent. "D-linemen in the league have a bunch of secondary and third moves. Their knowledge of what o-linemen do is so vast compared to college... That's stuff that I just have to engrain in my brain, like shit’s not over until the whistle blows," Coleman shared, providing insight into the learning curve for players transitioning to professional football.
Defensive Stars Shine
On the defensive side, Mike Sainristil has been a constant presence among the starters. Not only has he been pivotal in defensive plays, but he has also taken on responsibilities in the return game, adding versatility to his profile. "Part of it is just my play style. I'm a guy that's gonna go hard until the whistle's blown. And then the second part of it is just getting myself to make that second nature for me, so that when it comes game time, I don’t even have to think about stuff like that," Sainristil explained, underscoring his commitment to excellence and consistency.
Jer'Zhan Newton also made a mark by getting his first taste of first-team reps. His impact was felt immediately as he forced McNichols to cut back during a play, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Rising Performers
Among the highlights of the training camp has been the consistent performance of Jahan Dotson. The wide receiver has been a standout, making critical catches and contributing significantly to the team's offense. "I feel like I'm just getting more comfortable, and that's enabling me to play faster and faster. That's been a big emphasis for me," Dotson said, reflecting on his progression and growing confidence.
Special Teams Stability
Special teams also saw notable performances, particularly from kicker Ramiz Ahmed, who delivered a flawless display during the team portion of the practice. Ahmed did not miss a single field goal, even making a notable kick from 51 yards with room to spare. His consistency and reliability could prove crucial as the Commanders move forward in camp.
As the Commanders continue to refine their strategies and chemistry, the training camp serves as a vital ground for testing and showcasing talent. With more practices and evaluations ahead, the players remain focused on leaving their mark and securing their positions on the team. Each practice session, mistake, and success contributes to the molding of a team that aspires to compete fiercely in the upcoming season.